Oct. 27, 2013
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A3 will sell at base price just under that of the Mercedes-Benz CLA / Audi

by Chris Woodyard, USA TODAY

by Chris Woodyard, USA TODAY

Probably not a coincidence: Audi has just priced its new 2015 compact A3 sedan at $29,990, the same starting sticker as on the new Mercedes-Benz CLA, its arch rival.

With base prices identical, Audi appears to hope to win by offering more, like more standard features. The A3 will include a sunroof, leather seats, and bi-xenon headlights.

"The Audi A3 sedan raises the bar in this premium compact segment" said Scott Keogh, president of Audi of America, in a statement. "It will add to our momentum."

Audi is pushing hard to expand the A3 line as compacts play a bigger role in the luxury market. In addition to the conventional A3, Audi plans to introduce an A3 convertible, diesel, a high-performance gas version and a hybrid.